BioCraft Pet Nutrition and Prefera Petfood have teamed up to produce an innovative product known as 'mouse mousse,' which is composed of 99% animal cell-cultured ingredients. This collaboration marks a crucial step towards sustainable and nutritionally complete pet food, aligning with recent regulatory approvals in the European Union for the use of animal cell-cultured components.

The forthcoming mouse mousse is designed specifically for cats and is touted to offer a hypoallergenic protein source with an optimised omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio, outperforming traditional meat sources. This innovative product aims to replicate the natural dietary needs of felines, which primarily consist of small prey.

Dr Shannon Falconer, founder and CEO of BioCraft, said: “Most cellular agriculture initiatives struggle to reach high inclusion levels of their ingredients, which limits their impact on reducing reliance on conventional animal agriculture. Our partnership with Prefera has successfully overcome this challenge.”

Prefera Petfood, established in early 2024 by a team of industry veterans, has built its reputation on producing premium natural wet food for pets.

Nicola Magalini, general manager of Prefera, highlighted the importance of using identifiable ingredients without artificial additives. “This collaboration not only enhances our product line but also aligns with our commitment to safety and quality, benefiting both pets and the environment,” he added.

Early trials have shown promising results, with cats demonstrating a strong preference for the new mouse mousse over conventional options. “Cats are notoriously selective eaters, so we’re encouraged by the enthusiastic reception during taste trials,” Magalini commented.

The companies plan to showcase their innovative product at Zoomark International, a leading European trade show for pet products, scheduled for May 5-7 in Bologna. This event will provide industry professionals with the first opportunity to explore the implications of cell-cultured ingredients in pet nutrition.

BioCraft's animal cell-cultured ingredients have been rigorously tested, confirming their nutritional profile aligns closely with traditional meat sources, including essential nutrients such as taurine, lysine and methionine. Furthermore, these ingredients have been validated to be free from harmful pathogens, mycotoxins and heavy metals, ensuring a safe product for consumers.

Looking ahead, BioCraft anticipates commencing commercial production of its cell-cultured ingredients by the end of 2025, with the mouse mousse set to follow shortly thereafter. Prefera’s products will primarily target the European market, where demand for high-quality, sustainable pet food continues to rise.